Music For Galway

Music For Galway The supreme platform for excellence in international classical music performance in the West of Irl.

31/08/2026

There are concerts. And then there are moments you want to relive again and again.

For MfG, it was that evening at Campbell Tavern in Headford, when the audience and Dragonfly Duo became one whole piece. People were singing together with the musicians and sharing the music, the energy, and the joy. For a little while, everyone in the room was part of the same story.

There is music that becomes a part of your memories forever. And sometimes, it seems that these are the very moments that make life worth living.

We are launching our new season tomorrow, and we can assure you that there will be plenty of music, beautiful moments, and concerts to remember forever.

We can’t wait to share them with you.

09/08/2026

Can you believe we’re about to launch the 45th season of Music for Galway?

Before we turn the page and start talking about all the exciting things coming up in our new season, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the highlights from the second half of 2026. What a season it has been!

We kicked off the year with our Midwinter Festival, a wonderful celebration of versatility and musical collaboration. We were joined by an incredible company of musicians, including ConTempo Quartet, Gealán Quartet, Macdara Ó Seireadáin, Aisling Kenny, Aileen Cahill, Pádraic Keane and Margarita Guerrero. It was the perfect way to brighten those winter blues!

Margarita Guerrero then treated us to three wonderful solo recitals — one lunchtime concert and two as part of our MfG Out & About programme, generously sponsored by Aerogen.

Ballads of a Bogman, featuring tenor Gavan Ring and pianist Fiachra Garvey, left us completely spellbound.

We journeyed into the world of contemporary music with Peaceline Perspectives, enjoyed a beautiful programme for strings and clarinet from the Wigmore Soloists, and were mesmerised by the National Symphony Orchestra in Brendan’s Voyage.

Our annual Music for Good Friday concert brought us an uplifting musical celebration, while several exciting world premieres were performed by Robert Finegan.

And as the season drew to a close, we were treated to performances by our own brilliant Artistic Director and pianist, Finghin Collins.

But the grand finale had to be our Playathon for Cellissimo!

A huge thank you to every brave participant who took part and helped raise an incredible amount towards our Cellissimo Festival, coming up this season. Your enthusiasm, generosity and musical spirit were truly inspiring.

And, of course, a heartfelt thank you to all our wonderful performers, our generous sponsors, and — most of all — you, our audience. Your support, enthusiasm and love of music are what make everything we do possible.

What was your favourite Music for Galway performance this season?

Tell us in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!

08/07/2026

Our Cellissimo Ambassador, Margarita Guerrero Martinez, is back in Galway for two wonderful events today!

First, join us at the Galway Film Fleadh for the world premiere of Cellissimo, a beautiful short film by Berlin-based Galway filmmaker Maclaine Black. The screening will be preceded by a solo cello recital from Margarita.

Wednesday 8 July | 2:15 pm
Town Hall Theatre

If you can’t make it to the Film Fleadh, you’ll have another chance to hear Margarita perform at the Westside Arts Festival at 5:00 pm.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the artistry of our talented Cellissimo Ambassador and get a taste of the festival ahead of its return next year.

We’d love to see you there

Midwinter Festival BroadcastRTÉ Lyric FM – Full Score with Liz Nolan18 June | 13:00–16:00Join us today on RTÉ Lyric FM f...
18/06/2026

Midwinter Festival Broadcast
RTÉ Lyric FM – Full Score with Liz Nolan
18 June | 13:00–16:00

Join us today on RTÉ Lyric FM for the third broadcast from our Midwinter Festival concert series, The Quartet Extends.

In this broadcast, you’ll hear the final concert of the Midwinter Festival, featuring a performance of Mendelssohn’s evergreen Octet for Strings, composed when the composer was just sixteen years old. Before this, we’ll hear a short work by Amanda Feery for uilleann pipes and string quartet, followed by Weber’s early Romantic Clarinet Quintet.

Get a taste of what’s to come on the radio, and we hope you’ll enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed sharing these performances.

Midwinter Festival BroadcastRTÉ Lyric FM – Full Score with Liz Nolan9 June | 13:00–16:00Join us today on RTÉ Lyric FM fo...
09/06/2026

Midwinter Festival Broadcast
RTÉ Lyric FM – Full Score with Liz Nolan
9 June | 13:00–16:00

Join us today on RTÉ Lyric FM for the second broadcast from our Midwinter Festival concert series, The Quartet Extends.

In this broadcast, you’ll hear Mozart’s sublime late G minor Viola Quintet, where the addition of a second viola gives the music a wonderfully rich and beautiful texture. You’ll also enjoy Tchaikovsky’s sunny and uplifting String Sextet in D minor, Souvenir de Florence, performed by the ConTempo Quartet joined by Cellissimo Ambassador Margarita Guerrero and Gealán Quartet violist Fiachra de hOra.

Get a taste of what’s to come in our carousel, and we hope you’ll enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed sharing these wonderful performances with you.

Midwinter Festival BroadcastRTÉ Lyric FM – Full Score with Liz Nolan2 June | 13:00–16:00Tune in to RTÉ Lyric FM today fo...
02/06/2026

Midwinter Festival Broadcast
RTÉ Lyric FM – Full Score with Liz Nolan
2 June | 13:00–16:00

Tune in to RTÉ Lyric FM today for the first broadcast in our Midwinter Festival concert series, celebrating the rich and captivating world of chamber music.

Our opening concert takes listeners on a wonderful musical journey—from quartet to quintet to sextet. Sligo pianist Aleen Cahill joins the ConTempo Quartet for Amy Beach’s magnificent Piano Quintet, while the Gealán Quartet, joined by two members of the ConTempo Quartet, brings the glorious melodies of Brahms’ String Sextet in G major to life.

Take a glimpse at what’s in store in our festival carousel, and we hope you’ll enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed sharing these performances with you.

18/05/2026

Just wow, and a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Cellissimo 2027 Playathon Fundraiser and supported us in helping make this beautiful festival happen next year.

We are so grateful to Maggie and John Ryan, and all the wonderful team at the Ardilaun, for so generously hosting the Playathon. Bualadh bos to all our participants!

A special mention to the incredible Thomas Weise, a beginner harpist who completed 100 days of practice and performed his two pieces brilliantly.

Shane Hennon, a 16 year old TY student, treated us to Chopin’s Nocturne No. 20 and music from Interstellar.

Let’s Quartet performed movements from Dvorák’s American Quartet with great style and energy.

Lenny Chen, a 15 year old award winning young pianist, captivated us with works by Liszt and Beethoven.

Téada na Gaillimhe, an eight person cello ensemble, performed beautiful arrangements of Fauré’s Pavane and Amhrán na Leabhar, arranged by Jackie Fletcher.

Our guest star Chris Ellis, hailing from Dublin, performed works by Schumann and Prokofiev with Finghin Collins at the piano.

Galway Jam Circle delighted us with Rock Paper Scissors by Sean McGrath, one of the group’s founders, along with Hit the Road Jack.

We were also thrilled by a surprise appearance from Andreea Banciu and Adrian Mantu of Contempo Quartet.

Thank you all for taking on this challenge on behalf of Cellissimo and for helping us raise these much needed funds. Your support, generosity, and music made the day truly special.

Today’s the day! The Cellissimo Playathon goes live!This special Playathon celebrates the wonderful supporters who stepp...
17/05/2026

Today’s the day! The Cellissimo Playathon goes live!

This special Playathon celebrates the wonderful supporters who stepped up to help fundraise for Cellissimo 2027 and make it a festival worthy of Galway.

Join us for an afternoon of music, community, fun, and refreshments, generously hosted by The Ardilaun Hotel.

Participants to date

* Galway Jam Circle for Cellissimo
* Shane Hennon, piano
* Lenny Chen, piano
* Let’s Quartet, string quartet
* MfG Sings for Cellissimo Playathon, choir
* Rusty Weise, harp
* Téada na Gaillimhe, cello ensemble

Tickets

Admission is free, with donations at the door warmly welcomed.

While the event is free to attend, we recommend registering in advance to avoid disappointment.

16/05/2026

A little behind the scenes from our fundraisers for Cellissimo.

Galway Jam Circle, Lenny Chen (piano), Let’s Quartet (string quartet), and Rusty Weise (harp) are getting ready for tomorrow’s concert at the The Ardilaun Hotel.

This is your call to action — let’s fill the room on the 17th at 4pm and make this a beautiful afternoon of music, community, and support for Cellissimo.

There’s still time to register for the concert, donate to help make Cellissimo happen, or buy raffle tickets for a chance to win some truly dreamy prizes.

The Playathon concert is almost here, and registration is now open on our website. Join us in showing support for these ...
15/05/2026

The Playathon concert is almost here, and registration is now open on our website. Join us in showing support for these incredible musicians and celebrating their talent together.

We are also excited to remind you about our raffle, packed with fantastic prizes. Tickets are available now on idonate.ie.

Closing date: 17:00, Sunday, 17 May 2026

A huge thank you to all of our generous prize sponsors. Take a look at what you could win:

• Festival Ticket for Cellissimo 2027
Experience everything Cellissimo 2027 has to offer with access to festival events throughout May, excluding the Inish Oírr day.

• Voucher from Magpie Bakery
Enjoy delicious sourdough breads plus sweet and savoury pastries freshly baked each day by Cian Mooney and his team.

• Afternoon Tea for Two at The Hardiman
Relax and indulge in a timeless Afternoon Tea experience in elegant surroundings.

• €100 Dinner Voucher for Rouge
Treat yourself to a beautiful meal at this much loved French restaurant known for its warm atmosphere and rustic charm.

• Two Tickets to A Taste of Cellissimo with National Symphony Orchestra Ireland
Secure your place at this hugely popular November event as the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland returns to Galway.

• €50 Book Voucher for Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop
Browse the shelves of Galway’s beloved independent bookshop and discover your next favourite read.

• Bottomless Brunch for Two at HYDE Bar
Enjoy one of Galway’s most sought after brunch experiences with refined dishes, fresh ingredients, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Thank you for supporting the Playathon. Every ticket helps make a difference.

Address

NUI Galway, Riverside Terrapin, Distillery Road, Lower Newcastle
Galway
H91TKW3

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 1pm
Tuesday 9am - 1pm
Wednesday 9am - 1pm
Thursday 9am - 1pm
Friday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+35391705962

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